
Class ^S ^s-S5 

Book 074-7 G 3 



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Copyright^'*. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



GATHERED LEAVES 



N- 



GATHERED LEAVES 



A Book of Verse made from a Physician* s 
Pad Leaflets 

BY 

DOCTOR GEORGE ROSS 

M. D., U. OF v.; GRADUATE OF V. M. I.; CAPT. AND ASST. SURa. 
C. S. A.; ASSOC. MED. DIR. 3rD CORPS A. N. V., LIEUT.- 
GEN. A. P. hill's staff; emeritus PROF. OBSTET- 
RICS, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, 
RICHMOND ; EX-PRES. INTERNATIONAL 
ASSOCIATION OF RAILWAY SUR- 
GEONS, ETC., ETC. 




NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON 

THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1910 






h 



Copyright, 1910, by 
THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 



First published in November of 1910 



©CI.A278761 



To 

PETER HELMS MAYO 

Powhatan Seat, Clarke County, and Richmond, Virginia, 

my beloved cousin and my closest friend, I dedicate these 

" GATHEBED LEAVES " 

OS a witness to the worthiness with which he has worn 
the mantle of honor handed down to him through a long 
and trusted ancestry, and as a modest tribute to an 
exemplar in the things that make for high manhood. 



Foreword 

The author has had constructed this per- 
manent home for these " Gathered Leaves/' that 
his name may not fade from the memory of 
his friends with his burial. 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Contents 

PAGE 

Sterling Worth 17 

Spirit of '66 17 

'Neath Virginia's Bright Skies 18 

Stand Always 18 

Virginia 19 

V. M. 1 19 

A Doctor 19 

Lady Nancy 20 

That Handsome Wife and You 21 

The Queen of Clark County 22 

What of the Night? 23 

Counsel 24 

Shell-Tinted Cheeks 24 

The Ebbing Tides 25 

On a Photograph 26 

J. B. McCaw 26 

An Explanation 27 

Mystic Shriners 28 

A " Leetle " Weak 29 

Old Tom 30 

An Inquiry 31 

Color'd 'Scursion 32 

The Passing Years 33 

NoTA Bene! 34 

Close by Erie's Shore 34 

On to Richmond 35 

In Memoriam 36 

C. W. P. Brock, M.D 37 

Thank You! 37 

Les Docteurs Mayo 38 

A Wedding Sentiment 39 

Golden Wedding Sentiment 40 

Pour Dieu et Droit 40 

Robert Stiles 41 

For Truth and Freedom 42 

An Invitation 42 



GATHERED LEAVES 



PAGE 

De Million 43 

A Paie of Links 43 

The Stork 44 

W. D. MiDDLETON, M. D 45 

Hope in God's To-moeeow 45 

Social Driftees 46 

Golden Feuit 47 

Geovee Cleveland 48 

On a Casket Plate 48 

Under the Evening Skies 49 

Halcyon Days 49 

That Old Family Doctor . 60 

SORA 51 

The New Capitol 52 

A Counterfeit Presentment 53 

Confederate Sleeve Buttons 53 

Memory 54 

Apples 55 

Pembroke 56 

Nary a Word 56 

The Female Pelvis 57 

Our Life After Death 58 

The Dying Words of a Three-year-old Boy . , 59 

Behold a Man ! 60 

Do We Miss You at Home? 60 

Hospital Memories 61 

A Welcome 62 

Historic Old Richmond 62 

The Master's Call 63 

Medicos and Osteopaths 64 

Royal Orchard 66 

Richmond 67 

" The Old White " 68 

Those Beautiful Links 69 

New Market 70 

Shadows 71 

Friendship's Reassurance 72 

God's Finger 73 

Huntee McGuiee, M. D 74 

Jim and Dick Ashton 75 



GATHERED LEAVES 



PAGE 

My Geandfatheb's Clock 76 

Canteloupes 77 

Falling Out the Kanks 78 

Dixie Boys 79 

Red Nose Potatoes 80 

An Acceptance 80 

In Medias Res 81 

Eighty-three Yeaes . 83 

A Teibute 84 

Only an Old Doctob! 85 

The Bible 85 



Prologue 

Some verses are written in seriousness, 

And some in a spirit of fun; 
Be the vein what it may, I hope you can say, 

No harm has been done anyone. 



GATHERED LEAVES 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Sterling Worth 

Sterling worth o'er all the earth 
Is valued much beyond man's birth; 
And blest are they who well-born too. 
Bear sterling worth always in view. 



Spirit of '66 

I am just a young doctor, plodding along, 

Battling for bread and for meat; 
Fixed in the purpose to hold up my head 

Where'er I appear on the street. 

I am trained in the school of sacrifice, 
I have stood for my country's cause; 

And proudly I fly the veteran's flag 
In One of the world's greatest wars. 

I've known the want of both bread and meat. 
With nowhere to lay down my bones; 

My fellow-soldiers have felt the same want, 
While God only heard their moans. 

I'll stand to my colors, true son of the South, 
Whether empty both larder and hands; 

Trust the Grod of my fathers to shield and provide, 
While Nature replenishes our lands. 
17 



GATHERED LEAVES 



'Neath Virginia's Bright Skies 

Air : " Oh, give me a cot in my own native land " 

Oh, give me a cot ^neath Virginia's bright skies, 
A home in loved Eichmond, of all lands the prize ; 
I care not what part of the city it be, 
If only dear Annie doth share it with me. 

This world has not in it her compeer, to me; 
She's the fairest and purest e'er darkened mine 'ee ; 
And the sun must shine brightly as with hers in my 

hand, 
We traverse earth's course to the pure spirit land. 

Long years as companions we've journeyed through 

life. 
As sweethearts in childhood, as husband and wife ; 
Heaven's blessings attend us, down hill to that shore 
Where peace is the promise, separation no more. 



Stand Always 

'Gainst the wrong that needs resistance. 
For the right that needs assistance ; 
Face the future in the distance; 
Wear the livery of a man. 
18 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Virginia 

Where in poem and song 
Men stand for the right; 
Men frown upon wrong; 
Where the strang'^r finds welcome 
To the best in the land ; 
Where unfeigned loyalty 
Marks the grasp of the hand. 



V. M. I. 

Acrostic 

Valorous youth marched away from her halls; 
Marshaled as men, answered quickly States' calls: 
Insurgents? JSTo ! boys, the bare thought appals! 
V. M. I. proudly floats from her battle-scarred 
walls. 



A Doctor 

A doctor I, of modest worth, 
By grace was child of honest birth; 
And while I live upon this earth 
Of kindly acts will show no dearth. 
19 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Lady Nancy 

My dear Lady N'ancy, 
I am seized with a fancy 

To answer your letter in rhyme; 
I hope you'll excuse 
My courting the muse 

To you, the very first time. 
I am sorry to hear 
That you still have a fear 

Of an enemy vanquished and dead, 
That hung round you once, 
And threatened for months 

To force you the shadow-land tread. 
Just dispel that illusion, 
Now bringing confusion, 

With wretchedness, too, to your bed; 
'Tis a myth of the past. 
And like myths, should just last 

Till wiser thoughts visit your head. 
" Kheumatiz " is the ill 
That your muscles doth fill, 

And in good time will vanish itself. 
Meanwhile, I admit, 
'Tis a thing not a bit 

To be boasted as part of one's wealth. 
Embrocations and lotions, with liniments, too. 
Of whatever kind may happen by you. 

Just use with full mixture of faith ; 
20 



GATHERED LEAVES 



And though they be slow. 
They will work well, I trow. 

This '^ Medicine Man " surely so saith. 
Now the cuddies and crannies, 
And shadows of mammies. 

With which the old mansion abounds. 
Are all nice in their way. 
But they too often play 

The deuce with one's nerves in their rounds. 
Just dismiss all those visions 
Of ill-timed collisions 

With cancer and snakes, and what-not; 
Sew and write as you please. 
And don't yourself tease 

With the thought they are all on the spot. 



That Handsome Wife and You 

A poet you, and hard to beat; 

A man the Lord made true ; 
In fact, a combination team. 

That handsome wife and you. 
To each I gladly bow my head 

And place my mouth in dust. 
In gratitude unspeakable, — 

Such friends are mine to trust. 



21 



GATHERED LEAVES 



The Queen of Clark County 

To Mrs, P. H. M. 

To the Deity reigning at Powhatan seat. 
The Queen of Clark County in rural retreat, 
I send for her breakfast the best of the tribe 
Of soft warbling songsters that float on the tide. 

Euphoniously called "sora" in the swamps of the 

James, 
They sail under '^ rail ^' among other pet names ; 
But names count for nothing ; if tendered on toast. 
They fill a felt want in the stomachs of most. 

A single regret is, they're just a bit small. 
And a moment of hesitancy creeps o'er all ; 
But the shadow quickly vanishes when noting the 

fact 
It is good social usage to send your plate back. 

Give Peter two wings — ^he's an angel, almost. 
And wings are to angels their principal boast. 
They are messengers of grace — who more graceful 

than he 
In his noiseless good deeds o'er land and o'er sea ? 



22 



GATHERED LEAVES 



What of the Night? 

To F. 8. M. 

What of the night, wise watchman? 

Doth spy the breaking day? 
Canst catch the far-off " anvil chorus " 

Welcoming morning's ray? 

Dost hear the diamond drills at work. 

By air compression driven, 
And echoes catch of fallen ores 

As witness fastness riven? 

Hath " Kip Van Winkle " like " San Pedro,'' 

Felt life's quickening touch. 
And roused itself to show the world 

Thus far, has been none such? 

Hath " Knickerbocker's " unlocked doors 

Made possible to show 
To wistful eyes of waiting men 

The glistening, gold-rich ore ? 

Of " Ouray " what ? Have engines great 

Found lodgment in its tunnel? 
Is ventilation perfect now 

Through crest-sought, hard-fought funnel? 
23 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Has reason, then, well-grounded base 
Big dividends for building? 

How soon is justified the pen, 
'^Eternal Hope" with gilding? 

If knowest aught, pray keep not sealed 
Your ready tongue from speaking, 

But let the music of your voice 
Enlighten those now " seeking." 



Counsel 

To G. A. D. 

Turn over this card and look on the face 

Of a friend who of you will always keep trace. 

He knows you have brains, and believes, if you try, 

You can win your class honors at the old V. M. I. 

Then bend to your oars, and stick to the work. 

Just prove to the world you've not learned to shirk. 



Shell-Tinted Cheeks 

Not the gift of Correggio, nor Raphael's brush. 
Ever wrought from the canvas a lovelier blush 
Than is borne on the shell-tinted cheeks of this maid, 
Nor has artist more perfect Madonna portrayed ! 
24 



GATHERED LEAVES 



The Ebbing Tides 

Let me go and listen to the requiem of the ocean, 
The music of the ebbing tides in their unceasing 

motion ; 
The murmur of the waters as they dash upon the 

sands, 
Returning from their wanderings on the shores of 

other lands. 

And as I stand and listen to their poises ^long the 

shore, 
Let me ponder well the lessons they must teach while 

time endure — 
This lesson that a brotherhood should bind the world 

of man. 
Like water drops in ocean's depths, like Scotia's 

Highland, clan. 

For weak we are, as wavelets when broken into spray. 
And dashed as breakers wrestling with rocks that bar 

their way; 
Just gropers through the darkness, hanging as a pall, 
Shutting light from human souls, forgetting " God 

rules all." 



25 



GATHERED LEAVES 



On a Photograph 

While walking down street just a few days ago, 

I saw a photographer's sign on a door; 

A sign that I promptly interpreted to mean, 

" Walk in, if you please, and see what's to be seen." 

The thought flashed across me 'twould be a nice thing 
My photo to have, and if good, one to bring 
To wife dear and children and one too to send 
To Henry Clay Beckham, my boyhoood's dear friend. 

Do you know me, old fellow? I hope so, for sure 
This shadow must tell you that my heart is as yore. 
Full of tenderest friendship and interest in you — 
For in memory's storehouse your picture's like new. 



J. B. McCaw 

Judged by the standard as seen through men's eyes 
Big-hearted "Jim McCaw" with the very best vies. 
Majestic in stature and graceful in pose. 
Courteous in bearing, as all the world knows. 
Calm and dispassionate, well-weighing speech, 
A gentleman always, striving to teach, — 
Wisdom is mentor when example does preach. 
26 



GATHERED LEAVES 



An Explanation 

To Mrs, C. F. J. 

Do I know the " cussed " ailment that is hurtin' of 

yon so? 
" Herpes zoster " doctors called it in the very long 

ago. 
Now they call it shingles in the country where you 

dwell, 
And it gives its owner thunder, too, 'till Nature gets 

him well. 
Of course, the doctor helps him bear the "tarnal" 

burning thing. 
But his remedies are wondrous slow in driving out 

the sting. 
'Taint the stomach, neither liver, does the kindling 

of the fire 
That stretches 'round your chest and back, arousing 

of your ire. 
That hydra-headed monster that you women largely 

boast 
Is the basis for the building of the fire for your 

roast ; 
The protest 'tis of starving nerves — " anaemia " 

largely adding. 
To work a general break-down of the system, simply 

^^madd'ning"; 
" Uricacidemia," too, of course must play its part, 
And disorder, just a little bit, the kidneys and the 

heart; 

27 



GATHERED LEAVES 



But the '^ recipe '' I send you will be sure to trump 

its tricks. 
And contribute very largely your return to normal 

fix. 
Three times a day a teaspoonful, in Albemarle's 

spring water 
Will quickly drown the horrid thing — doctors say it 

" orter/' 



Mystic Shriners 

Pilgrim's Warning 

Halt ! and tarry, would-be Shriners ! 

Counted well your journey's cost? 
Has the act of cerebration 

Mingled thoughts — ^you may be lost? 
Whence dost hail, ambitious nobles ? 

Where did breathe your pristine air ? 
Comest thou from far-off Southland ? 

Or where tigers make their lair ? 
If from far-famed land of Dixie, 

Where the cotton blossoms full, 
'Twould be well that on that fabric 

You should get a certain pull. 
For 'tis possible, in passing 

Through the Mystic Shriner's Rite, 
That the magnate chief may charm you 

With a chant to Nobles trite. 
28 



GATHERED LEAVES 



You may bow in graceful posture. 

Listening to the song he'll sing ; 
But he'll fool you, and a cushion 

Softens much his impressed ring. 
If 'cross Afric's heated sands, 

Lonely pilgrims, oft you've walked. 
Don't forget your sad repining, 

That your shoes were not sole-corked. 
If the West did give you birthland, 

Trained you are on bucking broncho. 
Mount you now the Eastern asses, 

Yours a trial ; one, no more. 



A ''Leetle" Weak 

To Dr. T. B. H., Atlanta 

You scared me off by promising 

To call on me to speak: 
In making speeches you mtist know 

I'm Just a '' leetle " weak. 
Boarman and O'Brien, though, 

Will be on hand, I hear : 
Botlfi are brave Virginia boys. 

And both have voices clear; 
Courageous each in doing work; 

Each fearless in a breach; 
Why not just test them on the sands? 

Try either one in speech. 
29 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Old Tom 

Janitor Anatomical Hall, U. C. M., Richmond, Va. 

To thee, old Tom ! so mindless of the hapless dead, 
These crude, unpolished lines are penned, 

With hope that when old age shall come, you'll still 
be sitting 
Scraping bones, and busy pondering your end. 

While you pursue your ghastly, ghoulish trade 
Does not compunction sometimes come to you? 

Eememberest thou that just as these cadavers, you 
are made. 
And may, perchance, find kindred treatment, too? 

Pursuit of science brings these senseless bones to you, 

And yet in science you do play small part; 
Find comfort, then, in knowing ghoulish boys are 
true. 
And always tender thoughts of you will bear in 
heart. 

They'll picture you, while taking far off midnight 
rides. 
Still lonely sitting, scraping bones long dead; 
And lisp a prayer that when your spirit glides 
Out from your venerated form, God's courts will 

echo '' Here ! " 
When the name of dear old Tom is read 1 
30 



GATHERED LEAVES 



An Inquiry 

To F. R. L. 

I have thought of you oft since the eve of the day 
When I saw you aboard of the cars, bound away 
To your home in the west, and the bosom of friends — 

To each and to all of whom greetings we send. 
I have thought of your patience, your gentleness, 
kindness. 
Your faith in a stranger, even me, with such blind- 
ness; 
Of the grace of your brave wife — nursing and wait- 
ing, 
Scarce a murmur to tell of her suffering heart 
breaking ; 
And amidst all my thoughts comes the wonder, if yet 
The strength which had waned and so filled with 
regret 
All the dear ones away from you, reason had found 
To come back and claim its old time-honored 
ground. 
I have trusted it might be so ; that health once again 
(Through the skill of my " Frater ''—not " Frater,'' 
in vain) 
Touched with roses your cheeks, and a thrill of delight 
Sent to hearts of your household, turned darkness 
to light. 
I have heard with the ear of faith, joyous greeting 
To friends in the business mart, everywhere meet- 
ing. 

31 



GATHERED LEAVES 



I have pictured you standing, surrounded by friends. 
Clasping hands and rejoicing — such welcome ex- 
tends. 
Need I say how sincerely I hope %s all true? 

To a man of your merit ^tis only his due ; 
Yet, I only have hope of it now to delight me : 
Won't you steal from your busy life a moment to 
write me? 



Color'd 'Scursion 

Bar's a 'scursion in town dis day, 
Dar's a 'scursion in town dis day, 

Dar's a 'scursion in town. 

From all de towns aroun' 
An' de niggers is a-havin' uv ther way. 

Dey'se bin 'pearin' on de streets ev'rywhars, 
Dey'se bin 'pearin' on de streets ev'rywhars, 

Dey'se bin 'pearin' on de street. 

An' in de stores so neat, 
A-buyin' uv de things what they w'ars. 

Dey'se bin 'joyin' uv deyselves, you kin see, 
Dey'se bin 'joyin' uv deyselves, you kin see, 

Dey'se bin 'joyin' uv deyselves. 

In pickin' thro' de shelves. 
An' laudin' of " Ole Abe " what sot 'm free. 
32 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Bar's de father an' de muther an' de chile, 
Bar's de father an' de muther an' de chile. 

Bar's de father an' de muther, 

Wid many a dozen oder, 
A-loiterin' on de cornder fur a while. 

Bey is studyin' how de cars goes along. 
Bey is studyin' how de cars goes along. 

Bey is studyin' how de cars, 

Widout de mules in pa'rs. 
Is a-movin* an' is minefes'ly strong. 

Bey is treasurin' uv de sights dey has seen, 
Bey is treasurin' uv de sights dey has seen, 

Bey is treasurin' uv de sights. 

An' trimblin' at de frights. 
Bat de country nigger has when he is green. 

Bey is schemin' fur a trip again nex' year. 
Bey is schemin' fur a trip again nex' year. 

Bey is schemin' fur a trip, 

Wiid de nigger's cert'in grip. 
An' prayin' dey may read dere title clear. 

The Passing Years 

The passing years with so few tears, 

And blessings so unbounded. 
Should lift aloft in cadence soft 

Our songs of praise resounded. 
33 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Nota Bene! 

Labor Day's Product 

Miss Alice Small B. did to Richmond's " Four Hun- 
dred '' 
At six of the clock give her name to be numbered. 
She reverently bows to her distant grandpa, 
And screams salutations in the ears of grandma. 

She struggles with fists, and at times gets her thumb 
In her mouth, and she sucks it as though 'twere a 

plum; 
But her mother has promised her, not if she knows it, 
Allow the bad habit, — for the mouth always shows it. 



Close by Erie's Shore 

To Dr. B. L. B. 

Sweeter none than voice of faithful friend, 

Sweet always ; for, on such depend 
All hopes of human happiness. 

Such friends I boast across the far-off lakes; 
Hence, meeting them the coming week partakes 

A glint of pleasure longed-for, sweet and pure; 
And so, I gladly hasten on to greet them 

Close by Erie's shore. 

34 



GATHERED LEAVES 



On to Richmond 

An Invitation 

I stand here, a son of Virginia's famed soil. 

And gladly frame speech for the brave men who toil 

From the peaks of her mountains to the sands by the 

sea, 
Giving welcome, thrice welcome, to all whom I see. 

I echo the voice of one yon all know, 
The genial G. M. of the great C. & 0. 
He bids me come here, and in his name to say. 
To historic old Eichmond there is just one broad 
way. 

Her portals stand open, his F. F. V. trains 
Luxuriously vestibuled speed o'er their mains, 
Through gorge and by chasms where Hygeia's famed 

fountains 
Chant unceasing music through the clefts in the 

mountains. 

On, onward they roll, 'cross gory-stained fields. 
Where brothers fought brothers, and died on their 

shields ; 
Where patriot soldiers, wearing blue and the gray, 
Proclaimed to the world they would duty obey, 
35 



GATHERED LEAVES 



" On to Richmond ! " the war cry in days now long 

dead; 
" On to Richmond ! though it take a year ! " the Union 

chief said; 
" On to Richmond ! '' No mailed hand now waves 

yon back, 
Her people with outstretched arms invite your attack. 

Take heed, then, my brothers, and mark you, next 

May, 
Old Richmond's the trysting-place — say me not nay; 
Then nature is smiling, and the flower's perfume 
Fills the air with its fragrance, so sweet is their 

bloom. 

CHICAGO. 



In Memoriam 

A Suicide 

Wrinkled and curved, and white with hoary age, 
A lonely man, fast traveling life's last stage. 
By desperation driven, and disease, 
Surcease of sorrow sought in death's sweet ease. 
Pity him, ye strong ones, happy bound 
By home's unbroken circle, and profound 
Lift hearts in gratitude that to you is deigned 
Still time for penitence and for hope unfeigned. 
36 



GATHERED LEAVES 



C. W. P. Brock, M.D. 

Soliloquy — 67th Birthday 

Calmly I ponder the years that are past. 
Willing the next shall but shadow the last. 
Pointing my friends to a well-rounded life. 
Brightened by knowledge I have lived without 

strife. 
Eeaching out hopefully toward that sure end. 
On which with confidence I can depend — 
Confidence born of a knowledge that God, 
Knowing my weakness, will lighten his rod. 

Mindful always of a great host of friends 
Delightedly waving, " Bon voyage ! " attends. 



Thank You! 

You are blessed with the gift of a liberal soul. 

With the added gift of showing it; 
And by your grace I, too, am blessed. 

For I'm blessed with the grace of knowing it. 
The grace of your gift the neighborhood knows, 

For my wife has the grace of dispensing it; 
While the grateful acknowledgment each of us sends 

Is the best we now have for compensing it. 
37 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Les Docteurs Mayo 

To C. B. A., in Rochester, Minn. 

Dear Charley, old fellow, I know you can't know 
How pleased all yonr friends were to find you did go 
To those most sought investigators found in this land, 
To prove how folks' duodo-pylores stand, 
And, now that their skill has on you just revealed 
Their closest relations, and they have too sealed 
All the avenues bringing such secrets to light, 
I trust their pathologist found things all right. 
If true, then, " Old Tempus " his finger must stick 
In and try on your ^^ innards " some new-fangled 

trick. 
He's heedless of '' noli me tang ere " advice. 
But gets his quick work in and out in a trice. 

Note : — " Patience on monument " style often is 

needed. 
And helpful it is, too, to folks lately seeded — 
Just hulled out, as 'twere, and some organs removed. 
That by other inquisitors work be approved. 
I doff my old hat to "Les Docteurs Mayo," 
And subpoena you witness that that learned duo 
Are masters of charts that Dame Nature prepares 
To guide her unfortunates back up health's stairs. 



38 



GATHERED LEAVES 



A Wedding Sentiment 

The Earth, when thirsty, drinks the rain. 
Drinks, then thirsts, then drinks again. 
The fragrant flowers drink earth and air — 
By constant drinking keep fresh and fair. 
The sea itself one well might think. 
Must surely have small need for drink. 
Yet drinks ten thousand rivers up. 
But never overflows its cup. 
The red-faced sun, too, drinks between — 
If one may judge by his ruddy mien. 
The roseate morn and twilit eve 
Drinks up the sea; we'd fain believe 
The moon and stars too, drink in the sun, 
Then nightly twinkle, as though in fun. 

TDhus all in Nature 's thirsty found, 
And one eternal quaff goes ^round; 
Yet, drinking always, as they do. 
They never drink too much — nor you. 
Exception we? Not much, I trow. 
While wit and wine together flow. 
Then fill the bowl, boys, fill it high I 
Fill all the glasses full ; for why. 
If Nature drinks, pray why not we? 
Let's toast old England — ^worthy she; 
39 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Yea, toast her son, brave, loyal, true; 
The maid we send her — 'tis her dne. 
Aye! pledge this union — "Union Jack — Old 

Glory!" 
Victorious flag in Cupid's story. 



Golden Wedding Sentiment 

To Dr. and Mrs. J. S. W. 

Fifty years ! in harnesss double ; 

Fifty years ! dividing trouble ; 

Fifty years ! unclouded love ; 

Fifty years ! hearts fixed above ! 
May many be thy added years, 
Untortured by frail mortals' fears. 



Pour Dieu et Droit 

To Miss E. <8f. T. 

In the spring the budding roses 
Promise fragrance on the air, 

In the spring a modest maiden 
Looks her winsomest and fair. 

In the spring the well-trained nurses 
Lay aside their gowns of pink; 

In the spring, as " white-winged angels," 
Fly away to duty's brink. 
40 



GATHERED LEAVES 



In the spring their " Alma Mater " 
Waves them each a glad Grodspeed ! 

In the spring they send back answer, 
Pour Dieu et Droit — where'er there's need. 



NOTA BENE 

In the spring the ^^M.D/s" also 
Angling go for maidens true; 

In the spring they wisely fish for 
High-bred maidens, graced as yon. 



Robert Stiles 

In Memoriam 

Eejoicing in hope, Eobert Stiles closed his eyes 

On all that man loves in this life; 
By precept and practice in all that he did, 

Armored ever for life's fearful strife. 
Eeady always, and everywhere standing for right; 
The beacon of God, his soul — trusted in light. 

Submissive to suffering, heart sorrows untold. 
That a weaker than he would have crushed; 

In touch with his Maker, low bowing his head, 
Lisped a prayer, and his sad voice was hushed. 

Eagerly awaits he the archangel's call. 

Crying earth and the seas must yield up their all. 
41 



GATHERED LEAVES 



For Truth and Freedom 

To A. C. G. — An Acknowledgment 

In all the literature of ages dead, 
No prologue fitting more was read 

To grace a volume writ: 
Nor will there sing in years to come, 
" For truth and freedom " faithful done, 

A champion better fit, — 
Than he who sung this soulful verse. 
And record made of hope's reverse, 

On fields that flamed with fire. 



An Invitation 

To A. A. 

Mrs. E. has invited a party of hens 

To cackle upstairs, and have fun 
While the Eeverend H. C. and your most charming 
self 

I, alone, downstairs count upon. 

Let me hope no engagement, pre-arranged. 
Will deny to this trio the meeting, to feast 

On the remnants they leave, and on which, I trust, 
We may satisfy hunger, at least. 

4^ 



GATHERED LEAVES 



De Million 

To Cot. J. D. H. R.^—A Postal 

Does you chance to know de million, 
De Georgy watermillion, 

Wid its glis'nin^ crystal center red and sweet ? 
Ef you don^t, ^tis time to know it, 
An' to t'other folks to show it, 

Fur I'm bettin' high dey'll say it is a treat. 
Whar you fin' 'm, did you say, 
In interrogatin' way? 

I kin tell you, jes as sure as you is bom ; 
Fur I seed 'm shipped to-day 
By de C. & 0. Railway, 

An' you'll fin' 'm at de depot Thursday morn. 



A Pair of Links 

Just a simple pair of links 

To bind your cuffs together; 
But symbolizing soul-bound links 

Through storm and sunshine weather. 
Silently they'll echo thoughts 

That bring you daily near me. 
With father dear, and mother too; 

Glad thoughts that come to cheer me. 
43 



GATHERED LEAVES 



The Stork 

'Twas the Fourth of July, "when all through the 

house 
N'ot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse/' 
That a stork did stalk in with a babe on its back, 
And then did stalk out by the same beaten track. 
Henrietta first caught the soft sound of its wings, 
And whispered to me the glad message it brings, 
Saying, "Eouse yourself, doctor! please hurry up, 

quick ! 
Mrs. S. is upstairs, and believes herself sick. 
I think she's mistaken, for 'tis only a babe 
That the stork has just captured and by her has laid. 
That bird, in its wisdom,, has heard of her deeds 
So laden with kindness to any who needs." 
Of course, a trained soldier, as I chanced to be, 
Grot quick in my toggery and hastened to see 
What the " status in quo " was. A hurried inspection 

and erudite touch 
With a few scattered orders for patience and much, — 
Then sought I the drug that so promptly courts sleep, 
And "" in vinculo " warrants the " sleepy god '' keep. 
Eesponsive was patient, and so in her case 
Two hours sufficed that the future efface, — 
And dreamland was rich in the pictures there 

wrought. 
But the loveliest of all was the babe the stork 

brought ! 

BOYAL ORCHABD. 

44 



GATHERED LEAVES 



W. D. Middleton, M.D. 

In Memoriam 

Watchman found faithful when battling disease, 
Defiant of all danger, others striving to ease — 
Magnanimous always in dealing with men, 
Intensely in earnest in all things; and then 
Declining oft honors in private and State, 
Devoted to duti/ in small things and great. 
Lightening the burdens by fellow-men borne, 
Each act of his life was of selfishness shorn. 
Trained in his cult as men rarely can be, 
Now, laurel-crowned, honored, heaven-anchored is he. 
Mourned as all good men by fellow-men should, 
Doctor Middleton died at his post as he would. 

IOWA. 



Hope in God's To-morrow 

" Sorrow^s crown of sorrows 

Is remembering happier '' days, 
And sorrow's single antidote 

Is knowledge of God's ways. 
This little book a message bears 

To souls bowed down in sorrow. 
And through the shadows of to-day 
Bids " Hope in God^s to-morrow/^ 
45 



GATHERED LEAVES 



y> 



Social Drifters 

Proverls 25.17 

Unwise it is to wear threadbare 
A welcome once extended; 

To trespass on a kindness 
Beyond the point intended. 

Too frequently to go unbidden, 
And thoughtlessly to stay, 

Till host's unspoken weariness 
Shows " Wish you'd go away ! 

To blinded be to wise-writ line, 
And read in copy-book, 

" Familiarity breeds contempt "- 
Well worth a second look. 



This lavish waste of precious time. 
This dropping in on neighbors, 

This having nothing else to do 
Save handicap their labors; 

This sniffing, as does warrior's horse 

Scent battle on the breeze. 
The fragrance catch from cook's domain. 

Then heave a sigh of ease. 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Convenient dining? Sometimes ^tis; 

Ofttimes emphatic — no! 
Convenient now it is to me ; 

ril feast, and then I'll go. 



Golden Fruit 

They're gathering now the golden fruit 

Adown on Tampa's Bay; 
The evidence has come to us 

In Bev. Wrenn's usual way. 
He ne'er forgets his friends — ^not he! 

When absent from their side, 
But sends them some "mementoes," 

Filling their souls with pride; 
Pride to know they have a friend 

Who tarries in life's race. 
And steps aside the busy strife 

That he may turn his face 
Towards the hills of home and boyhood days, 

And those he played with then: 
Most tangibly he proves he does, 

'Twas ever thus with Wrenn. 
Long life, and prosper you, dear boy ! 

The heart 'tis measures age. 
And measured thus, you are standing now 

On the threshold of life's stage. 



47 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Grover Cleveland 

Acrostic 

Grandly he stood, and unfalteringly just, 
Recreant never to public trust; 
Only his duty his beacon light, 
Varpng rarely in doing the right; 
Easily statesman the first in this land. 
Reverently leading our patriot band. 

Calm and serene a pilot at post, 
Laboring to guide his nation's great host; 
Ever keen scanning political skies, 
Vigorously pointing out where danger lies. 
Eagerly trailing his search-light for truth. 
Lavishly lighting the pathway of youth; 
Always his name will on history's pages 
Nearest the famed, be, all through the ages, 
Declaring this truth — he belonged to the sages ! 



On a Casket Plate 

To Mrs. W. 8. U. 

Rare and radiant was her beauty; 

Rare and radiant was her reign. 
Now, her star is set at noonday; 
God's ordain! 
48 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Under the Evening Skies 

A Seaside Scene 

Long years have rolled by since we stood on the 
beach 

Under the evening skies. 
Catching soft breezes from ocean or bay, 

Yielding free hand to youth's sighs. 

Proudly I pointed my glistening black mare, 
As she stood in that old-fashioned gig, 

Eestive and ready to move at my word, 
Kicking the flies from her rig. 

Ever will linger that picture with you, 

Eeading the future — a maiden so true. 



Halcyon Days 

Wherever in after years wandering you go, 

And at twilight are sitting alone. 
May thoughts of your friend in famed old Virginia, 

On the zephyrs of evening be borne. 

They'll awaken soft echoes of tenderest love 

In a heart that is unchilled by age. 
And brighten the halo 'round the halcyon days. 

With which memory has tinted youth's page. 
49 



GATHERED LEAVES 



That Old Family Doctor 

To Dr. J. 8. W. 

Alas! for that old family doctor! 

A memory now of the past; 
Valueless all his experiences; 

Gathered and garnered his last. 

Dauntlessly dared he his duty 

Through forests and fields and fair valleys ; 
Patiently toiled he and waited, 

On both the lone streets and dark alleys. 

Aye, waited and weighed all the dangers 
That threatened his body and soul; 

Single-handed, he stood undefended. 
And battled disease to control. 

Heavy-hearted — oft mind unillumined, 
He struggled with questions of doubt; 

N'o brother was near by with counsel. 
While he pondered how best disease rout. 

Now ^' tempora mutantur " is written 

In science and sadly on hearts; 
For the name of the " family doctor " 
Is blotted from family charts. 
50 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Sora 

To Mrs. P. H. M. 

Does yoTi chance to know de sora bird 

Dat floats in swamps ^roun' here, 
What niggers kills wid paddles nights, 

'Cause niggers dey don't kere? 
Dey knows dat in de mornin' 

Dey kin fetch 'm up to town. 
Where folks does love de juicy things, 

An' buys de las' one soun'. 
It 'pears like murder 'mos', it does, 

De way dem niggers do, — 
Wid lights in boats and creepin' long, 

And doan' say word 'bout shoo ! 
Jess tappin' dem poor little birds 

On top dere helpless head, 
Den retchin' out and grabbin' 'm, 

'Cause mos'ly dey is dead. 
I s'pose dere's folks in dis here world 

Would say 'twas mighty wrong 
To kill a helpless little bird 

While singing of his song; 
But if dere is, 'taint no use hunt 'm 

In dis blessed munt'; 
For ef you foun' 'm dey mought say, 

Dem birds you orter shunt. 
'Taint no use talkin' 'bout dat, dough, 

Dese what I see is dead; 
51 



GATHERED LEAVES 



An ^ef dere's any grievin' now 

De tears is all but shed. 
I specs de sensiblest thing to do 

Is put dem outen sight, 
An' somewhar dere's a cook, I know, 

Kin fix 'm zackly right. 
Jess tell her be partic'lar 

An' cook 'm to a turn, 
Wid seasonin's so fragrant-like 

De angels sure must yearn 
To 'member she is br'ilin' birds 

For Jess de sweetest dame 
Was ever called translated Belle, 

An' " beautiful's " de name. 



The New Capitol 

To Hon. E. M. B. 

Do you know " ye ancient capitol " 

In our famed old Mother State? 
It marks the strides of progress 

That still makes Virginia great. 
" Old Glory " waves on ancient structure, 

" State Flags " float on wings. 
And heart prompts hands to lift one's hat, 

The sight such pleasure brings. 



52 



GATHERED LEAVES 



A Counterfeit Presentment 

To Dr. M. W. O'B., Alexandria, Va. 

A counterfeit presentment that I value very high 
Is sitting on my mantel-piece awakening a sigh; 
For, while I gaze upon its features, pondering all it 

means. 
My mind grows busy with the past, and memory's 

treasured scenes. 

Oh, for those " days of long ago,'^ when oft we talked 

together, 
And pledged a "Damon-Pythias" love, through 

storm and sunshine weather. 
Yes, there it stands, that bit of board, and here I 

stand and ponder, 
Eepeopling those happy days, and of the future, 

wonder. 



Confederate Sleeve Buttons 

A pair of sleeve buttons that bear on their face 
The flags of a country now dead — 

A country that flashed on the world, meteoric. 
Brightening the skies, and then fled. 



53 



GATHERED LEAVES 



^Twas a sectional child, that land of the south. 
As "Dixie-Land" known among nations; 

But while valor and home-love and sacrifice live, 
Will a theme be for soldier's laudations. 

Do they speak, these buttons that fasten my sleeves ? 

Aye ! silently speak they and well ; 
For they bear on their face the Confederate flags 

Which the Southrons bore, and which fell. 

To the men of all ages who gaze on its bars, 
And count the bright stars on its shield. 

They will tell of the heroes who fought and who fell — 
Who to starvation only would yield ! 



Memory 

In Mrs. J. L. T's year-hook 

How gladly does memory repeople 

Those halcyon days so long dead, 
When a carload of rollicking travelers 

O'er the sands of old Mexico sped; 
For you were the queen of those revelers, 

And their queen have remained through the 
years ; 
While that cavalier-courtier, your husband. 

Played courier, sine all fears! 



54 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Apples 

To Col. J. D. H. R. An Acknowledgment 

'Twas the apple that tempted that famous old queen 
That reigned over Adam's weak heart; 

'Tis the apple of discord that makes the house warm, 
Driving husband and wife oft apart. 

'Tis the apple when served as good apples should be 
Makes the mouth of the hungry run water. 

And pity one feels for the man to pass by. 
And fail to partake as he ^^ ought-ter." 

'Tis the apple so temptingly spread on his bench 

On the street, by Italia's fierce son, 
That brightens the face of the radiant bootblack 

As he snatches a big one for fun. 

He may munch on that apple and sit in a niche 
In the wall where he beats his retreat; 

But 'twill get in its work in the usual way. 
And he'll hastily change his rough seat. 

'Tis that apple that shows things are not what they 
seem. 
Though ripe-looking, is oft immature; 
And the writhing that follows the eating such apple 
Makes the eater say sadly, *'No more!" 
55 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Not so is the barrel I have at your hands; 

Tho' red, they are ripe too, as well; 
Alid the measure of fullness and pleasure they give, 

I cannot exactly now tell. 



Pembroke 

Acrostic 

Proudly I boasted my faithful bay gelding. 
Each fleeting year only stronger ties welding. 
Many moons waxing and waning together. 
Bravely we've traveled on, reckless of weather. 
Eaining or shining, he was prompt at my call. 
Only to-day failing hear my footfall. 
Keen were his sufferings, — so writhed he in pain. 
Each muscle gripped in tetanic's fierce strain. 



Nary a Word 

To J. H., Jr. 

Nary a word from nowhere. 

And not a thing a-doing — 
Just busy somewhat mentally. 

My now past follies rueing. 
I still, though, hold my head up. 

And tread the old-time way; 
Keep working hard and praying. 

That clouds may pass some day. 
50 



GATHERED LEAVES 



The Female Pelvis 

Introductory to Lecture on its Osteology 

A pelvis, now, I show to you; 
I beg that you will take a view 
Of all its parts — now simply bones. 
Yet once awakening sobbing moans 
And salty tears and vain regrets; 
Alas ! the Eeaper ne'er forgets ! 
Who knows the object of his search 
When swooping down his lofty perch 
He stealeth through the ranks of men ? 
His gruesome work he ceases when 
And only when some shining mark 
And hold these fragile bones in hand. 
Has yielded up life's fitful spark. 
Canst tell, ye learned, as I stand 
What spirit lent them life and grace 
As lightly they did run their race? 
Canst conjure up, in fancy's frame, 
The picture of some beauteous dame. 
Whose name did thrill the hearts of men 
And filled with fire a poet's pen? 
Canst follow o'er the mountain crag 
In hot pursuit, the fleet-foot stag 
Diana fair! the huntress famed? 
Perchance 'twas she these bones were named. 
What matter, though, the name they bore. 
If o'er them each of us shall pour 
57 



GATHERED LEAVES 



In lavish measure, studious thought, 

And treasure what is by them taught. 

That scarce a mother^s brought to bed 

We'll learn how nature, wondrous wise. 

Did for her works such laws devise 

Fails bear her child, advancing head. 

We'll feel that failing, as she must. 

Sometimes, she surely us can trust 

To recognize where she is weak. 

Be prompt fit remedy to seek; 

Why should we not? We'll study all 

These complex bones, both great and small; 

We'll learn their planes — the Carus curve — ■ 

The purposes they each do serve; 

The entrance to the upper strait. 

The exit at the lower gate. 

The perineum's fearful fate. 

Where ignorance does stand and wait. 

Then, gentlemen, I beg you each 

Give heed and listen as I teach ! 



Our Life After Death 

In doctrines sound, all hedged around 
By Bible truths unnumbered. 

This book will stand, in every land, 
God's word to men, loud-thundered. 



58 



GATHERED LEAVES 



The Dying Words of a Three-year-old 
Boy 

" Ask all the good peoples to pray for me " 

I am three years old this very day, 

Dear grandmother, don't forget; 
I Imow you'll have the candles 

And cake for little Paul, your pet. 
Pll keep the candles to light bye-and-bye. 

And give the children the cake; 
The doctors say it is bad for me, 

Such heavy things to take. 



I am sick, you know, and oh ! so long 

Have been, and have troubled you sore; 
" Ask all the good peoples to pray for me," 

Our God may yet tide me o'er. 
I have tried the patience of faithful papa. 

And dear, silently-suffering mother; 
But it may not be long that I tarry here. 

Where we have so loved each other. 



Those candles may only be types of that light 
That illumines the courts of heaven. 

And the lessons you all have implanted in me 
May partake of a spiritual leaven. 
59 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Whatever the fate that the father has planned 

Is right, and is best for me; 
But whether I serve Him on earth or in heaven, 

I will lovingly pray for thee. 



Behold a Man! 

Closing a talk to young Medici — Graduates U. C. M., Rich- 
mond, Va. 

A man? Aye, lion-hearted. 

Daring all a man doth dare; 
A pure man, silhouetted, 

Let all the world declare. 
Then buckle tight your armor. 

And quit you all like men; 
Let Duty be your watchword. 

For tlie guerdon's only then. 
" Strew good deeds through the world as 

though sent 
As God sows stars in the firmament.^' 



Do We Miss You at Home? 

To Hon. E. M. R., Los Angeles, Gal. 

Yes, we miss you each day in the gloaming, 
When the day-king has fallen asleep; 

Ere the moon his departing light catches 
Or the star-spangled vault vigils keep. 
60 



GATHERED LEAVES 



'Tis then that our memories repeople 

The halcyon days of our youth; 
When the spirit of mother enfolds us 

Whispering lessons of manhood and truth. 

Have they guided us all through life's battlings ? 

Have they moulded the character she sought? 
Has a radiant light summoned others 

To Join in the work to be wrought? 

Now the twilight of life is about us^ 

And the shadows, fast lengthening, declare 

Our record is writ; shall we read it? 
Its keynote rings out in Prepare ! 



Hospital Memories 

Between the Then and Now 

Memories these from the days that are dead. 

Buried in the long ago; 
Days when the nation could well boast her men. 

Days that tried them so. 

Days when the Southrons, with heads lifted high. 
Like the Apennine torrent unpenned. 

Thrilled the world with the fame of the daring of men 
Fighting, hearthstones and homes to defend. 
61 



GATHERED LEAVES 



A Welcome 

Sir David Stewurt, of Aberdeen, Scotland 

A welcome, always, to this Southern home. 

The sires of whose head 
On heathered hills of Scotland 

Were by knightly Edward led: 
Who on Culloden's fateful field. 

With thistled banners flying. 
Defiance cast at England's hordes. 

And fell, her rights denying. 



Historic Old Richmond 

{Concluding an invitation to the International Association 
of Railway Surgeons) 

On the banks of the James, in the far away South, 

Stands a city conspicuous for sight; 
Like the world-renowned Rome, with her many 
crowned hills, 

A city where focused the fight. 

Colossal bronze statues grace the summit of hills, 

And perpetually stand to proclaim 
To the men of all ages who love native land — 

" These were heroes who won the world's fame ! " 
62 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Near her confines are fortresses, manned long ago, 
And beyond them still breastworks to tell 

Where brothers met brothers who differed in thought, 
And reasoned their differences well. 

In all famed Virginia no city so fair, 

So Mecca-like none in our land; 
Under Heaven's blue sky none readier to greet 

This honored international band. 

Historic old Richmond swings open her gates; 

Right royally hands you her keys ; 
Gives you welcome to hearthstones and homes every- 
where ; 

Bids you Come ! and her longings appease. 

TOBONTO, CANADA. 



The Master's Call 

To Miss E. H., Choir Soloist 

Sweet and pure as nightingale 

Heard at midnight hour; 
Thrilling as the eagle's cry 

In flight from lofty tower; 
Soft as harp attuned to song 

By zephyrs of the eve : 
Thy voice re-echoes through the soul 

The Master's call: Believe! 
63 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Medicos and Osteopaths 

To Legislators 

Ho ! All ye legislators, and listen to my cry ! 
The " Medicos " and " Osteopaths " in mortal com- 
bat vie. 
The " Medicos '^ for ages past have earned and held 

the faith 
Of sufferers in every land — for so the record saith. 
They've led the van where'er disease has dared to 

lift its head; 
Unceasing battle marked jtheir path until disease 

was dead. 
In scientific laboratory, working day and night, 
They've sought Pandora's evils, to throttle in their 

might. 
They've held supreme a duty to clearly point the way 
By which mankind might surest avoid diseases' sway. 
As beacon lights irradiating all their circle 'round, 
Unceasingly they've striven hard that knowledge may 

abound. 
Prevention 'tis their watchword; far easier 'tis than 

cure; 
It marks a noble effort — a purpose high and pure. 
Wilt help them, legislators, not weary in their work ? 
Then say, as true Virginia's sons, " We'll never duty 

shirk ; 

64 



GATHERED LEAVES 



We'll hold the hands of sacrificing men who lead the 

way, 
To lighten all the burdens that disease does dare 

array; 
By legislative action we'll close the open door 
That charlatans and quacks, et id, may never enter 

more. 
Protection shall be guaranteed such simple-minded 

folk 
As impudence and knavery might confidence provoke. 
If osteopaths or other fads would enter in this field, 
Then let them stand before the board, and there their 

knowledge yield; 
JSTo favoritism marks the course of those whose simple 

trust 
Is, read the record each man makes; and this each 

member must. 
No special privileges shall grant be made to any men, 
But justice equal measured all, whence e'er they 

come, or when." 



63 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Royal Orchard 

A traveler o'er many lands. 
Familiar with famed places. 

Must pause before the beauteous scene 
That Eoyal Orchard graces. 

Perched high on mount above the clouds, 

In architecture simple. 
On portico a queen greets guests 

With gracious mien and dimple. 

Its lord and master proudly stands 

With dignified demeanor. 
And points his visitors a scene 

Must please a very dreamer. 

Within the walls the merry laugh 

Of children gladden heart. 
While at its board abundant cheer 

With welcome, plays its part. 

Trained servants of the old-time sort 
That made Virginia home-life 

O'er all the world a famous thing, 
From cook to charming house-wife. 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Ideal summer outing place, 
Is Royal Orchard standing, 

On crest of beautiful Blue Ridge, 
With valley rare commanding. 



Richmond 

Where colossal bronze statues grace the summit of 
hills. 

And perpetually stand to proclaim 
To the men of all ages who love native land. 

These were heroes who won the world's fame. 

Near her confines are fortresses, manned long ago. 
And beyond them still breastworks to tell. 

Where brothers fought brothers who differed in 
thought. 
And, God knows, each fought his part well. 

Where will gather again, when the birds sing in 
May, 

To do honor to leaders long dead. 
The tottering heroes from all o'er the land 

To march on the streets where they led. 

And the welkin will ring, as of yore. 

With the yell of the hoarse-throated " boys," 

And the tears will bedim their old eyes, 
As memory rekindles youth's joys. 
67 



GATHERED LEAVES 



"The Old White" 

To J. P. B. 

In spirit form I sit before you, morning, noon, or 

night; 
And in that knightly game of chess tilt always for 

the right. 
Alas! that in my fleshly garb I'm tethered still in 

town; 
Who knows how long will be the span ere smiles dis- 
place my frown? 
I pine for dear remembered "White," and friends 

who gather there. 
All reveling in the old White's waters — drowning 

clouding care. 
So, full of hope, with wistful eye, I pierce the 

western skies. 
And fancy that my champion hear greet coach when 

it arrives. 
Meanwhile, commend me to those maids your cottage 

so do grace. 
And tell them how I long again my old-time steps 

trace. 
Admonish them, of you take care, try gladden every 

hour, 
Nor meritorious meed of praise a single day fail 

shower. 



68 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Those Beautiful Links 

An Acknowledgment 

A long time I've worn, and sometimes have shown, 

A pair of sleeve buttons I boast; 
That tell of a cause that failed, just because 

There was nothing to eat on our coast. 

They point to a race that this Southland does grace 

With a record of courage and daring ; 
That filled the world's eyes and was wafted the skies. 

While Confederate gray they were wearing. 

They are the gift of a friend on whom I depend 
With confidence born of long knowing. 

Whose beauty of face and singular grace 
She is always unconsciously showing. 

Alongside of these there has come 'cross the seas 

A Eoman gold set worth the seeing, 
On which craftsmen of old, alike cunning and bold, 

Have wrought faces that once had a being. 

Now, buttons are small, and scarce count at all 

If valued for actual cost; 
But when measured by love — sweet gift from above, 

Then the meter of lucre is lost. 
69 



GATHERED LEAVES 



These witness the truth that somewhere, forsooth, 

Perhaps in Itaha's famed city, 
Close some sacred road was a goldsmith's abode. 

Where business stagnation stirred pity. 

Quick kindled was thought that here might be bought 
Some buttons for " dear doctor's " pleasure ; 

And more than this too — characteristic of you. 
You might add to the jeweler's measure. 

Just like you, dear Belle, and I write now to tell 
How grateful I am for both thought. 

And those beautiful links, that hang on the brinks 
Of a pair of my cuffs, and are caught. 



New Market 

Phoenix-like from ashes sprung. 
The V. M. I. was first among 
This nation's schools, on flame-lit fields 
To marshal boys, who died on shields. 
At famed New Market, on this day, 
Succeeding columns — clad in gray — 
Are marching down her valley's pike, 
That so perchance, faint echoes strike. 
To tell where Dixie's sons did fight, 
For home's defense and statehood's right 
Where standing staunch, Virginia boys 
Shone metal-made, without alloys. 
70 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Shadows 

I am standing in the shadows of a never-ending 

night. 
Shrinking, trembling, prajdng, lest the blessedness 

of light 
Shall forever be denied me; lest the future close at 

hand 
Be veiled in midnight darkness; and I piteously 

stand 
Appealingly asking — ^' Can this be my Father^s 

hand?'' 
Should bitter plaint find utterance? Fve journeyed 

long in life; 
Three-score and more years struggled through days 

of peace and strife. 
God's canopy has covered me through all the days 

now past; 
Shall- I rebel when troubles come 'midst pleasures, 

at the last? 
Forbid it. Father merciful ! Thou solace in all sor- 
row! 
Let uncomplaining patience mark my waiting of 

Thy morrow. 

1899. 



71 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Friendship's Reassurance 

To A. P., Jr. 

Where'er kind fate may waft your craft, 

Whatever waters sail, 
Eemember, that in Richmond youVe a friend 

Who will not fail. 

Too many years have bound us 

In the bivouac of life; 
Too often trials tested us 

When breasting business strife, 

For us to doubt the genuineness 

The uniform we wear: 
Nor, for the tongues of hypercritics. 

Very much to care. 

We look back now on three-score years, 

And not ashamed to say. 
Through day and night we've played man's role, 

And played in brave men's way. 

We've talked and acted helpfully 

Towards those 'mongst whom we've worked. 
And no man can say truthfully. 

Plain duty ever shirked. 
72 



GATHERED LEAVES 



We've taught the lesson — " life is earnest 

Bend, boys, to your oars ; 
Don't shrink because 'tis wearisome, 

'Tis duty that man owes. 

Yes! owes first to his manhood's self 

As tribute to God's grace. 
And proof that he felt thankfulness 

God thought him worth a place: 

As earnest that, while life was his. 

And he found work to do. 
He'd stand upon man's highest platform,- 

Eoyal man, and true! 



God's Finger 

To-day God's finger touched me, 

Swept shadows 'cross my eyes; 
Forever veiled the noon-day sun, 

And evening's glorious skies. 
Plunged suddenly a dagger 

Through my pulsing, beating heart; 
Writ Finished ! on the cherished work 

In which I played my part. 
1895. 



73 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Hunter McGuire, M.D. 

Concluding introduction of resolutions of 
respect to his memory 

They've shrouded him, they'll bury him, 
The dirge will cease its sounds; 

The slow steps of heart-broken friends 
Turn sorrowing from the grounds. 

They'll bury him — ^the soldier's friend 

In days of bitter strife, 
When sons of North and South arrayed. 

Fought for their nations' life. 

They'll bury him, whose earnest face 
When peace had spread her wings. 

Was messenger that gladdened homes. 
So hope his presence brings. 

They'll bury him — a noble son 

Of famed Virginia's soil; 
Physician bom of classic mien. 

High-bred, in God-like toil. 

They'll bury him, whose broadening fame 

Begirt the land and seas; 
Who filled in every audience hall 

A foremost place, with ease. 

74j 



GATHERED LEAVES 



They'll bury Mm — ^yes, mortal part — 

But still his spirit lives. 
And to the scientific world 

Glad inspiration gives. 

They'll bury him who bore the yoke 

His followers must bear. 
If, like him, they would wear the crown 

Christ promised they would wear. 



Jim and Dick Ashton 

Closing a letter to their sister 

Two brighter boys or braver 
Ne'er told a beast their story — 

The story of their castle building, 
Capstoned 'midst war's glory. 

Two integers in a mighty strife. 
Each standing for the right; 

One falling on famed " Malvern Hill," 
'Mongst leaders in that fight. 

The other, when the war-cloud passed. 
With armless sleeve beside. 

Made battle in the civic field. 
And no less bravely died. 

75 



GATHERED LEAVES 



My Grandfather's Clock 

Have you forgotten my grandfather Thorn, 
And Berry HilFs famous big clock? 

These latter-day folks would certainly say, 
" My old grandfather's clock/' 



The question confronting me now is this: 

Where is that famous old clock 
That tolled out the hours at " Berry Hill ''— 

And oftentimes visitors shock? 

It stood close the wall near the dining-room, 

In the western end of the hall; 
Was graceful in its proportions. 

And conspicuously tall. 

I long to hear its soft-toned notes 

Resounding through my hall. 
And I wonder if 'tis possible 

To find that clock this fall. 

So if, perchance, you know the home 

Where lodgment it has found. 
You'll forge about me stronger bonds 

Than those by which now bound : 

76 



GATHERED LEAVES 



For, you are of those blessed folk 

Who made my youth so bright, 
The memory of whose kindly acts 

Shine with a radiant light. 

An ebbing flood of memories 

Repeople that house and lawn 
With spirits from the shadow-land — 

Dear house where I was born. 

And I feel a genuine pleasure 

Would come to my own little flock, 

If only our hall was resonant 

With notes from " my grandfather's clock." 



Canteloupes 

To J. P. B. 

To-day I saw some canteloupes 

As fine as ever seen; 
And so, I says unto myself, says I, 

They'll fit the Major's een. 
By express, then, to-morrow, sir, 

Before you've toilet made. 
The wagoner should at your door 

A basket full have laid. 
The plumpest and the prettiest 

That you find among the lot. 
Please to hand to dear Miss Effie, 

With my love, upon the spot. 

77 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Falling Out the Ranks 

One by one we are falling out 

The ranks, old soldier boys; 
Nor much the fact that ranks grow thin 

Our equipoise destroys. 

Trained well we were at mother's knee. 
And taught by father's tongue, — 

We proudly played the role of men. 
And brave men marched among. 

We questioned not the legal right 

Which held us in the ranks; 
We felt the thrill of patriot hearts. 

Nor courted country's thanks. 

Shoulder to shoulder in serried ranks 

We've stood as shot and shell 
Did plow their way 'cross hot-fought fields,- 

And wept as our comrades fell. 

Not surely on Culloden's plains. 

Nor 'neath Italia's skies. 
Were loftier deeds at Marengo, 

Where France with Austria vies. 

78 



GATHERED LEAVES 



We waged the fight with might and main. 
While "Stonewair' led the way; 

Each listening, with quickened sense. 
What " Marse Bob Lee " might say. 

We caught in ranks, the last resonnd 

Of cannon's echoing thunder; 
Nor dared there flit 'cross any mind. 

The thought that Lee could blunder. 

We heard the fiat " War's no more. 
And peace proclaimed ! " in sorrow ; 

We furled our flag, and turned our face 
Toward home, toward God, toward hope in 
His to-morrow! 



Dixie Boys 

Fought on battle-fields uncounted; 
Fought as men defeat undaunted; 
Fought to throttle threatening wrong; 
Fought while cheering Dixie's song; 
Fought though weltering in gore; 
Fought for land now named no more; 
Fought to win a victor's crown; 
Fought and earned the world's renown! 



79 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Red Nose Potatoes 

To Col. J. D. E. R. 

If you will call at the depot the morning of Monday, 

Skipping, of course, the much-revered Sunday, 

A barrel of " red-nose " you'll probably find, 

Uncommonly sweet when you exclude the rind. 

Intended they are to insure that good dinner 

At Xmas complete; for your wife is a winner 

In fixing up dishes folks' palates to please, 

And drive away hunger with dexterous ease. 

These " taters " were grown in famed Hanover's soil. 

And witness the slrill with which darkies can toil ; 

For, as baked sweet potatoes, or roasted potatoes. 

They fill full the measure 

Of any who court gastronomical pleasure. 

Yes, mashed up for puddings or flavored for pies. 

One question the case covers — what is the size? 



An Acceptance 

Mrs. Beneham C. recalls with delight. 

Now blended with gratitude, too. 
That far, very far, in the long, long ago. 

Both German and French she did woo. 

*' Zwei Lager," she learned from the " restaurateur/ 
Et le Docteur taught " Montrez la langue ! " 

80 



GATHERED LEAVES 



While her father played role as director " Mein 
Herr/^ 
With a ^' Sprechen sie Deutsch's " sweet song. 

Avec beauconp de plaisir maintenant, she accepts, 
Pour Monsieur et soi meme with delight, 

Votre gracious notation pour Decembre cinq, 
Quand les chimes ring out huit de la night ! 

She will wear her best gown, and Monsieur his sweet 
smile : 
(Ah ! pardonne, Madame, ce n'est pas assez 
Pour weather si froid comme to-day:) 

She'll choose for protection some corporal section, 
Et chaud le Monsieur with bouquet. 



In Medias Res 

" I'm with you, boys," — in sentiment, 

A sympathizing friend; 
A walker, too, from way back. 

And will be, to the end. 

You know I take big chances 

In speaking thus to you; 
As 'twere in pouring out my soul 

To honest men, and true. 



81 



GATHERED LEAVES 



In confidence, election day 

I want to count on you ; 
I'm boss of famous Eichmond now, 

And mean to stay so, too. 

At present things are somewhat mixed- 
Fm compassed with much care; 

My interests lie in certain lines. 
While duty points elsewhere. 

I surely owe a service 

To railway men and all; 
I've sworn to stand for order. 

Be servant at law's call. 

Then listen, men, and heed me, 

All ye who hear my voice ; 
I order your dispersion. 

And leave no other choice. 

The edict's spoke; disperse ye! 

Eichmond's Mayor's here; 
No dallying now with duty, 

Eeflection makes it clear. 

'No temporizing counsel heard. 

The law must be obeyed; 
Defiers of its majesty 

before it bow, dismayed, 

82 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Eighty-three Years 

To A. S. B. 

Eighty-three years is long to have lived 

In a land where transition is writ; 
Eighty-three years is short to have lived 

For eternity's span to grow fit. 

Eighty-three years must a record unfold 
In the life of the purest earth treads. 

Shadowed sadly, too often by tears and regrets. 
So enwrapt is man's future in dreads. 

Eighty-three years you have bravely marched on 
Through the sunshine of life and its sorrows; 

Eighty-three years you have fought " a good fight,' 
And still fearlessly fight for life's morrows. 

Eighty-three years you have stood for the things 
That prove character manhood's best prize; 

Eighty-three years old this day, and declare 
That in faith you await God's assize. 



8S 



GATHERED LEAVES 



A Tribute 

Mrs. Sophia Greenwald 

An aged couple, octogenarians, 

Oft in this city were seen 
Walking together, talking together, — 

Trusting each other, and loving, I ween. 

Three-score and more years have long gone by 
Since happily made man and wife; 

And all through the decades together they've 
walked. 
Brightening each other's whole life. 

Descendants they are of an ancient race — 

God's chosen people were called, 
And, now, in the evening of life they stand 

Before Israel's God unappalled. 

God's angel has come — ^the " Angel of Death," 
Hovering over the bed where is lying 

The helpmeet and wife, the counseler, friend. 
Who has laid herself down, and is dying. 

With head and heart bowed and with tear-be- 
dimmed eyes. 
Stands the old man, and reads o'er the pages 
Of that book in which they and the race they 
belong to 
Have solaced their souls through the ages. 

84< 



GATHERED LEAVES 



Only an Old Doctor! 

I am only an old doctor now, hastening along, 

Just striving to fill duty's seat; 
Firm in my purpose to act well my part 

Wherever men see me on street. 

I was trained in the school of sacrifice, 
And have stood for my country's cause; 

Now modestly fly the old veteran's flag, 
In one of the world's greatest wars. 

I have known the want of both bread and meat. 

With no place to rest my bones; 
My fellow-soldiers have felt the same want, 

And God, pitying, heard their moans. 

I'll stand to my colors — tried son of the South, 
Though empty both larder and hands; 
Trust the God of my fathers to shield and provide. 
Aid patiently wait His commands. 



The Bible 

Let the Bible rest on senseless form 
While the soul is borne elsewhere. 

For its lessons are life's barriers 
Of defense against despair. 

85 



GATHERED LEAVES 



In history and prophecy, in promise and in 
praise. 

Illuminate are its pages, 
And reverberant from pole to pole 

Its echoes span the ages. 

Harmoniously in thundered chords. 

With tender, sweet appeal. 
It sends abroad divine command 

God's saving grace to feel. 

Let children learn at mother's knee 
This " Book of Books " on earth; 

This fountain spring of human hope. 
Where faith in God finds birth. 

Then will its sacred lessons 
Be their beacon light through life. 

To the portals of the " Great Beyond," 
Where peace has conquered strife. 

Where Christ is King eternal 
O'er the Saints of all the ages ; 

Where faith in His atoning blood 
Eedeems unlearned and sages. 



86 



J ifim 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



